Khamenei urges support for Rouhani govt

DUBAI: Iran's supreme leader on Sunday called on state bodies to support the government of President Hassan Rouhani in fighting looming US economic sanctions, saying America's "conspiracy" could be defeated, according to his official website.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei used a speech to members of Rouhani's cabinet to call for support for the government and action against alleged financial crime to ease popular concerns fuelled by US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from world powers´ 2015 deal with Iran on its nuclear programme.

The likely return of US economic sanctions has triggered a rapid fall of Iran's currency and protests by bazaar traders usually loyal to the Islamist rulers, and a public outcry over alleged price gouging and profiteering.

Khamenei said "the government's economic team is the axis of all activity in the country, calling all the bodies to coordinate with it," the website reported. "(He) advised state radio and TV to reflect a correct image of government activities.

"Hardline conservatives close to Khamenei control powerful bodies including state media which has often criticised the government of Rouhani, a pragmatist who has long sought more open economic relations with the outside world.